Enterprise Ireland backed companies created almost 20,000 new jobs last year, resulting in the highest net jobs gain in the history of the state agency – a total of 8,476.

In its end of year statement, the agency said software and services sector accounted for the strongest net jobs growth, adding 2,092 jobs.

The agency said client companies last year recorded the lowest level of job losses since 2000, with more than 180,000 people (almost 10 per cent of the workforce) now employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies.

Figures from the IDA Ireland, released last week, also revealed a record year for jobs growth in 2014, with multinationals creating 15,012 jobs and a net increase in employment of 7,131.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said the positive figures did not happen by accident, adding that they were the result of extra resources and trade missions.

“We have put in place a raft of measures to deliver on this, including doubling the number of trade missions, recruiting extra staff in overseas markets, and delivering new funding supports for Irish exporting companies,” he said.

Mr Bruton said the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs was creating a powerful engine of Irish enterprise, alongside the strong multinational sector, and that Ireland has the capacity to create full employment by the end of 2018.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said 69 per cent of the net job gains were outside of Dublin, adding that the level of increased employment achieved is "remarkable".

“We continue to relentlessly focus on ensuring the right supports are available for clients at every stage of growth.

“This focus — coupled with our priority to support entrepreneurship across the regions, and develop strong, export focussed, ambitious Irish companies that can win new business — will mean even more jobs for Ireland over the next 12 months”.